SPOTLIGHT91
Family fun
JP Australia Magic Ride 154 Family ES 2018
Info: http://jp-australia.com/2018/products/boards/magic-ride/
Price: £1299
WORDS: WINDSURFING UK PICS: WINDSURFING UK
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM A WINDSURFING BOARD THESE DAYS?
EASE OF USE, PERFORMANCE AND VERSATILITY ARE SOME TERMS
WHICH SPRING TO MIND – ESPECIALLY THE LAST WORD. WITH
RECREATIONAL TIME BEING AT A PREMIUM MOST PUNTERS WANT AS
MUCH BANG FOR THEIR BUCK AS POSSIBLE. EVEN MORE SO IF YOU
HAVE A FAMILY OF BUDDING WINDSURFERS IN THE MIX.
JP’s Magic Ride 154 Family fits the bill
for many different requirements. An
early planing freeride board, light wind
cruiser and perfect platform for
teaching your offspring it’s definitely a
mutli-faceted platform.
For this test our three year old
reviewer was the main pilot on most
occasions. Being so young and new to
the sport is a good gauge of whether
something works or not. First off she
liked the fact that two thirds of the MR
Family is soft and padded. This makes
clambering on and off easy on the
knees. It was also noted just how
stable the board is.
Floating about in marginal conditions
was easily achievable for both Molly
and us as parents. If mum and dad
fancy a spot of light wind freestyle
then no probs as it’s a platform that’ll
readily accommodate – even for heavy
weights.
Multiple footstrap fixing points allow
efficient progression for riders wanting
to get into the realms of planing. It was
also a nice trait for Molly who could
practice getting her feet sorted and
therefore increasing her muscle
memory for later down the line. If
you’re aiming for your wee ones to
achieve the same then it’s worth
positioning the rig right back in its track
to make everything more doable for
tiny arms.
When the wind picks up it’s time to get
stuck in to some early planing
shenanigans. Rising up to full speed
mode effortlessly the Magic Ride 154
Family reaches a decent top speed.
Pinching close hauled is simple when
pushing against the 52cm fin whilst
burning back down breeze is fun and
fulfilling. The MR 154 is also a great
tutor for riders looking to learn those
(sometimes) elusive carve gybes. Very
forgiving of less polished technique it
helps build confidence through
transitions and achieve that desired
end goal.
Conclusion
All in JP Autsralia’s Magic Ride 154
Family is a super versatile sled that
all family members will find favour
with. From messing about in light
winds to fully lit up planing
performance cruising or blasting
about are both enjoyable. If you have
anyone learning to windsurf – young
or old – then it’s a great beginner
board for lighter weight riders or
progression platform for those having
already dialled in windsurfing’s
fundamentals. Our daughter loved it
and asked if we could have one – now
there’s an endorsement!
uk
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